Principal Optical Communications Architect

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

As a Principal Optical Communications Architect in Blue Origin’s National Security Business Unit, this senior individual contributor and technical authority in the Advanced Concepts organization will shape space-based optical communications capabilities. The role applies deep free-space optical (FSO) communications expertise—from end-to-end system architecture to terminal subsystems—to define, develop, and advocate for next-generation laser communications across civil, commercial, and national security domains. The architect works with internal and external customers to define mission capabilities, analyze alternatives, and reduce technology risk through simulation, trade studies, and prototyping. The role influences Blue Origin’s optical communications portfolio and strategic positioning, and collaborates with program, engineering, and business development teams on customer solutions and proposals. Relocation assistance is available, travel may be up to 25%, and the role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance; an active clearance is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
12 or more years of progressive, hands-on experience in space-based optical communications systems, with demonstrated expertise in laser communications terminal design and end-to-end system architecture.
Deep subsystem-level knowledge of FSO communications terminal design, including PAT systems, optical apertures, laser sources, and high-rate modems.
Demonstrated experience defining spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field of regard, thermal, structural, and interface constraints.
Proficiency in optical link budget analysis and end-to-end performance modeling across multiple orbital regimes.
Experience across multiple space systems lifecycle phases, including formulation, prototyping, manufacturing, AI&T, and on-orbit operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments.
Familiarity with civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures and programs.
Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Active TS/SCI security clearance.
Direct experience supporting or leading optical communications programs for DoD, NRO, USSF, or NASA customers.
Experience with payload accommodation strategies and influencing satellite bus designs.
Familiarity with SDA transport layer optical terminal standards and OISL interoperability requirements.
Experience with coherent optical communications systems and advanced modulation formats such as DPSK and BPSK.
Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence effects on ground-to-space optical links and mitigation techniques such as adaptive optics and aperture averaging.
Experience with constellation analysis, optimization, and systems-of-systems architecture development.
Track record contributing to competitive government proposals or business capture efforts.
Experience presenting on optical communications topics at SPIE, AIAA, or equivalent technical conferences.

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal technical authority for space-based optical communications architecture within the Blue National Security Business Unit.
Lead architectural design and development of FSO communications systems, including analysis of alternatives to determine design choices and system configurations.
Conduct trade studies, simulations, and prototyping to verify design approaches and reduce technology risks throughout the system lifecycle, from formulation and development through AI&T and on-orbit operations.
Define end-to-end optical communications architectures for space-to-space (OISL), space-to-ground, and ground-to-space links across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.
Develop subsystem expertise in optical communications terminal design, including PAT systems, optical telescopes, laser sources, and high-rate modems.
Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field of regard, thermal management, structural integration, power, and EMI/EMC interfaces.
Establish and maintain link budgets, error analyses, and end-to-end performance models to validate designs and support mission planning.
Evaluate civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures to inform strategic positioning and the technology roadmap.
Work with internal and external customers to define mission capabilities and support strategy development, including go-to-market planning.
Identify and mitigate critical technical risks through analysis and validation of flight-like hardware, and assess the manufacturability and producibility of novel components.
Collaborate with program managers, systems engineers, and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into proposals and customer solutions.
Engage government customers, program offices, and industry partners to understand mission requirements and shape future programs.
Author and review technical documents, white papers, trade studies, and proposals related to optical communications systems.
Mentor and guide engineers across the organization, and represent Blue Origin at technical conferences, industry forums, and government engagements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year, based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses, subject to company discretion.